Overview
This course provides a systematic study of human reproductive and gestational anatomy, with emphasis on structure-function relationships, developmental variation, and clinical application. Topics include reproductive organs, pelvic and abdominal implantation structures, gestational endocrine tissues, the pelvic floor, vascular and lymphatic drainage, relevant neural pathways, and the anatomical organization supporting conception, implantation, fetal development, labor, surgical delivery, and postpartum recovery.
Students examine the gross and microscopic anatomy of gestational tissues, including implantation sites, placental interfaces, decidualized tissues, myometrium, cervical structures, and associated vascular systems. Instruction addresses anatomical variation, congenital differences, intersex traits, surgical landmarks, imaging perspectives, and clinically significant conditions without treating variation as pathology by default. The course develops precise and inclusive anatomical terminology and introduces the application of anatomical knowledge to gestational, obstetric, and reproductive-health cases.
Learning Outcomes
- Identify major reproductive and gestational structures in diagrams, models, specimens, and medical imaging.
- Explain how gross and microscopic anatomical organization supports conception, implantation, pregnancy, fetal development, labor, surgical delivery, and postpartum recovery.
- Integrate microscopic and gross anatomy to interpret the structure and function of gestational tissues and pelvic organs.
- Describe clinically significant anatomical variations, congenital differences, and intersex traits using precise and inclusive terminology.
- Analyze vascular, lymphatic, and neural pathways relevant to implantation, pregnancy, labor, operative procedures, and postpartum care.
- Apply anatomical knowledge to introductory male obstetric, gestational, and reproductive-health cases.
- Evaluate anatomical relationships relevant to clinical examination, imaging interpretation, and surgical planning.
Timetable
| Type | Length | Frequency | Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lecture | 2 hours | Weekly | All semester |
| Lab | 2 hours | Weekly | All semester |
| Tutorial | 1 hour | Fortnightly | All semester |
Assessment Schedule
| Type | Description | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Quiz | Weekly anatomy quizzes (10 × 2%) | 20.00% |
| Assignment | Anatomy identification assignment | 15.00% |
| Test | Microscopy and imaging practical test | 20.00% |
| Assignment | Clinical anatomy case assignment | 15.00% |
| Exam | Final written examination | 30.00% |
Prerequisites
- Requirement 5 NCEA Level 2 Biology credits, externally assessed
- Requirement 5 NCEA Level 2 Health Education credits, externally assessed
Teaching Staff & Programs
This course is delivered jointly by faculty from the participating programs listed below. In line with the Douchewater Way, the University of Sexology tailors core instruction directly to each cohort's specific discipline — adapting curriculum to program needs rather than forcing students into a one-size-fits-all model. Learn more about our approach at The Douchewater Way.
